Mon Jul 07 20:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Bihar Family of Five Burned Alive in Witchcraft Allegations**
**PATNA, July 8, 2025** – A horrifying incident has shaken Purnia district, Bihar, where five members of a family, including three women, were brutally murdered and burnt alive over accusations of practicing witchcraft. The incident occurred on Sunday night in Tetgama village, under the jurisdiction of the Muffasil police station.
According to Purnia Deputy Inspector-General of Police Pramod Kumar Mandal, the violence was triggered by the death of a resident’s child after seeking treatment from Babulal Oraon, 50, one of the deceased. Enraged, villagers attacked Oraon and his family, beating them with sticks before setting them on fire. The bodies were then stuffed into sacks and dumped in a deserted location.
The victims have been identified as Babulal Oraon, Sita Devi (48), Kato Devi (65), Manjit Oraon (25), and Rani Devi (23).
The gruesome event was witnessed by Oraon’s 16-year-old son, who managed to escape and alert his maternal grandparents. He recounted to the media that his mother was accused of witchcraft, leading to a meeting of around 200 villagers led by Nakul Oraon, who decided on their execution.
Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the crime, including the tractor driver used to dispose of the bodies and Nakul Oraon. All five bodies have been recovered. A thorough investigation is underway, led by Superintendent of Police Sweety Sahrawat and Assistant SP Alok Ranjan.
The incident has sparked outrage and political condemnation. Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, criticized the government’s handling of law and order, attributing the incident to a breakdown in governance.
First Piper 